Bennett wants to talk with Leach

Chris Nee | Recruiting Analyst

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Madison (Miss.) Central defensive tackle Maurice Bennett was a late add to the Mississippi roster at the 25th Annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. For the 6-foot-2, 282-pound defensive lineman, the opportunity to compete alongside some of his state's best talent against the best that Alabama has to offer is a welcomed opportunity.

"It feels great to be out here practicing with these guys," Bennett said. "It has really been a great experience."

While many of his teammates are competing in hopes of receiving new college interest, Bennett's future is focused on an unlikely place for a prospect from the Magnolia State - Washington State.

"They found me some kind of way," Bennett said of how he ended up committed to Washington State. "I have been committed to them ever since the summer."

Since that commitment, the Cougars have changed head coaches, bringing Mike Leach in. That change at the top hasn't resulted in Bennett reconsidering his selection.

"It has not caused me to change anything," Bennett said. "I am still committed to them."

Bennett built a good relationship with defensive line coach Todd Howard, but he hasn't spoken at length with him or anybody from Washington State about the changes.

"I haven't spoken to Mike Leach yet," Bennett said. "I really want to ask him what kind of defense will we be running. I know there will be other questions that I would like to ask."

While things are somewhat up in the air with the Pac-12 program, Bennett believes his commitment will last.

"I really do," Bennett said. "I am open to other offers and I want to make sure before I go there, that it is the right place for me, but I really believe it is."

He reports interest from Georgia, Memphis, and Mississippi State. At this time, he has no official visits planned. He took an official visit to Pullman during the season.

"I visited during the season," Bennett said. "It was an official visit. The fans, they knew me. The players, they welcomed me. It felt like it was home already. I liked the players, the coaches, the fans - everything."